Chapter 42: Strange Possibilities

The coldness of the North Land didn't help with my anxiety. I woke up that morning with my heart pumping hard in my chest and as I choose the dress and the coat I would be wearing for the political meeting, I tried to convince myself through the mirror that everything would turn out well.

An hour after a silent breakfast, we were all ushered to the conference hall. It was a huge room with a long wooden table and elegant chairs. A hearth was placed at the back of the room to keep the place warm. Lord Emmanuel Frost was already sitting at the center of it with his son, Lord Boris, beside him. The latter immediately stood when he saw me and pulled a chair so I could sit on it. Lord William just shrugged as he sat on the chair next to mine and we watched curiously as the young ruler walked back to his father's side. He'd been a gentleman ever since I came to the North Castle. It was making me wonder if ever he had another motive for his gestures.

"The young Frost clearly has his eyes on you," Lord William teased beside me though he remained to look formal.

The corner of my mouth rose for a knowing smile and I replied, "Do you think I can use it to my advantage?"

This time, the lord couldn't help the huge smile on his face. His wrinkled eyes focused on me. "You're a cunning woman, are you? I couldn't believe that years had already passed and you're no longer a little child," he said.

And whether I grew up to their expectations or not, it didn't really matter at the moment. There were young boys out there who were making their own life-changing decisions and sailed the sea with grown-up men. They could play the ukulele or master their arrows. It would be a shame if I would just cower and hide behind my parents like a scared little girl. I guessed the pirate world thought me how to grow a backbone.

It didn't take long for the conference to start. They discussed about the trading of the different domains and the need to have more land to farm. Apparently, people found it easier to get wealthy through trading and commerce that only few left to willingly dirty their hands with soil. And thus, there was a scarcity of vegetables, fruits and crops in some lands. Lord William offered some parts of East territory for farming; however, it would only be done in the condition that the people from the East Land would be the ones to operate it. After all, we came here for our people. Lord William took the opportunity to favour our land. It would still go down to business and the East Land would be waiting at the end of it for the great return of its investment. I was not surprised that my father sent Lord William in occasions like this; he surely knew how to turn rocks into diamonds.

The other representatives of the lands seemed to see the motive behind it. However, the West Land was focused on what they could get from the sea, the South Land was mainly composed of wide desert and it's a wonder how they could live in it, and the North Land was too cold for some crops to grow. They had left no choice.

Lord William grinned at them widely like he just won a lottery. I should be happy with him, but I came here not just for my people. I attended the conference for the people that I want to call my own and my equal.

"We're opening a part of our land for farming, and I think we will need hard-working partners to help us with it. And since, it is said that only the people of the East Land could do it, I'd like to make the captive pirates citizens of the East Land. We need man-power in this project," I suggested trying to make it pass through a small hole.

The hall became silent until Lord Boris Frost said, "Don't you think you're going to put your land at risk with these pirates? You've been through a lot and I don't want a decision like this to put you into more peril." His blue eyes showed sincerity and concern but I couldn't appreciate him completely when his statement voiced more concerns from the delegates.

"They are pirates. They should be near the sea since it's the only place they know. I think they should stay in the West Land," a representative from the West Land added. He grinned triumphantly as if it was already decided.

With clenched fists, I stood up and looked at them. "Stay in the West Land? How? Are you going to put the sea and a little island inside your jail?" I asked sarcastically.

"Lady Primrose, calm down." I felt Lord William's hand behind my back. But it didn't ease the tension that was building inside me. Shocked faces were looking back at me and I immediately realized that I would not get them on my side if I act like this. So breathing deeply, and letting out a confident and formal smile, I continued, "Being a pirate is what they know when they're in the sea. And we are all aware that piracy is a huge crime in our land. However, if you're going to let me bring them to the East Land and teach them the ways of our domain, we could surely find them useful and worthy of a second chance. They might even see this as a better way of living. I hope that this council would not kill an excellent idea just because you are afraid of the possibilities."

And with a graceful motion of my fingers in the air, I ended my statement and sat on my chair. If I had a different persona in the room, I would definitely applaud myself for being in control of my anger. The tension in the room almost emptied me of my energy but the adrenaline rush kept me poised until we reached the voting.

In the end, I had most of the delegates on my side aside from Lord Emmanuel and the representatives of the West Land. The ruler of the North Castle seemed to disapprove that Boris sided with me and ended the political meeting in the most serious, unhappy tone. Of course, he wouldn't be happy. Lord Magnus would probably seething in anger once he heard of this.

But as for me, I received all their congratulations and walked out of the room like I was the victorious winner of the competition. I never thought that it would feel this great to pass a certain political decision. I might start joining Lord William in attending events such as this.

"You're excellent back there. You handled yourself well," a voice called from behind me. I stopped on my way to my room and turned around only to face Lord Boris who was utterly handsome and standing confidently in the middle of the hallway.

"Maybe I've faced more challenging situations than this to know what to do," I answered, smirking.

He crossed the distance between us in few long strides and in just a moment, he was already standing in front of me. The cat must have gotten my smart tongue for suddenly, I couldn't speak any words. He caught me off-guard.

"I have another proposition to you. It is a thing that only you can do and which I believe would benefit both to East Land and North Land." He spoke casually like he couldn't sense the discomfort in me.

"And what is that?" I asked curiously. If it was for the East Land, I must put it in to consideration.

"Marry me," he answered.

And this time, I was completely stunned. I had known Lord Boris because he's the son of Lord Emmanuel. But we weren't completely acquainted with each other. I saw him as a handsome man who was too formal and cold for my liking. He was all business and his moves were calculated. He must have his reasons why he was choosing me out of all the noble ladies who had their eyes on him.

"I am aware of your engagement with Lord Chester Weston of the West Land. And I also know about your disapproval of it. You're the kind of woman who will not let your bloodline tie you down. And I'm sure that it can only be done if you agree on it," he added.

Finally, someone from the mainland made me feel that I was capable of doing things myself - that I can make my own decisions. However, even though I was impressed, my heart would still not open its door for a possibility with him. It remained locked and dark, waiting for a particular someone to knock and bring back the light.

"It is so kind of you to think of me that way. I appreciate it, really." I looked at him and he stared back at me knowingly. He was smart enough to understand things.

"But?" he asked, urging me to continue.

"It is unfortunate that I am no longer in possession of my heart for it was already stolen by a rogue pirate and I have no plan taking it back," I replied.

He regarded me thoughtfully as if he was processing my every word to his mind. I stayed there looking at him awkwardly wondering what his reaction would be. After a few moments, he finally sighed deeply and nodded.

"I understand. It's just that the North Land needs a beautiful fire like you - your strength as a woman makes me feel that I need you as an incomplete man. I should have known that you're a wild fire and there's no way for me to keep you. However, please keep in mind that if you ever have a change of heart, I will keep the North Castle open for the possibility of the two of us." He was smiling at me warmly and reassuringly and I almost regret rejecting him. But the heart wants what it wants. It's better to turn a fine man down than to betray myself.

He finally moved and gave us some distance. He handled rejection well and with elegance. He was surely a man every woman could dream - every woman aside from me.

"Thank you, Lord Boris. I'm sure that you're going to find the little fire you're looking for," I said and he answered with a smile.

I decided that it would be best to end the conversation and continued moving towards my room. I must prepare to leave the North Castle soon since the conference was already done. Lord William decided to resume his discussion with another delegates and opted to leave for the East Castle on the next day. As for me, I had no more business to stay longer.

I was walking towards the quarters when one of the doors opened. I heard a woman giggled and it echoed through the empty hallway as a couple got out of the room. I stopped when I saw Tanya trying to fix her clothes as it was showing more of her breast than necessary. I was more surprised to see the man behind her. His eyes widened when he saw me. He seemed to be hesitant on whether he would leave the woman and come to my side. I immediately understood what was happening so I decided to help him in his awkward situation.

"Good morning, Tanya, Tarnus," I greeted and the woman finally noticed me. "I didn't see you at breakfast today," I said.

"Oh, well, I - I overslept," she answered blushing. She looked up at Tarnus nervously but the latter just focused his eyes on me. She pouted when she realized that she was not getting any help from him at the moment.

"Is that so? Did you sleep well?" I asked, looking at Tarnus.

"I did," Tarnus said, clearing his throat. I could see the slight shade of pink that was creeping up his cheeks. I had to tease him for that in the coming days.

"How was the conference?" Tanya asked, trying to break the contact that Tarnus and I silently shared. I looked back at her and I clearly saw jealousy in her eyes.

"The conference ended well. Thank you for accommodating us and organizing the event. The Frost Family and its people are really wonderful and skillful hosts." I decided to stress the word 'skillful' since I found the little game they were playing fun.

If it was possible, her face became redder and if I continued to stand in front of them, I might not be able to stop the laugh I was holding in. I straightened and looked at Tarnus formally who seemed to regard me with the same professionalism as well.

"We will leave for the East Land in a couple of hours. Please prepare the carriage and our escort for me," I said.

"Yes, my lady," Tarnus said and bowed his head as I passed them to continue walking to the room. I could almost sense Tanya's protest but whatever Tarnus whispered to her managed to stop it.

We said our farewells to our hosts and even though the young Frosts seemed to be unhappy of letting us go, Lord Emmanuel was utterly relieved that finally, I would leave the council in their peace. I didn't know that my presence had created a silence commotion in them. Maybe, I was really a wild fire just like what Lord Boris had said.

Tarnus rode silently beside the carriage I was in and I decided to keep the small window open to watch him. Even though I knew that he could feel my obvious staring at him, he remained stoic and silent. For a moment, I thought I saw him in deep thoughts and then would glance at my direction shortly. I knew something was bothering him so I moved closer to the window and leaned on it.

"If what happened in the hallway bothers you, it shouldn't. You're from a noble family and Tanya is a Frost. You two will make a fine couple regardless of the bloodlines," I called out to him casually.

He looked over to our escort who seemed to maintain a respectful distance from the carriage. And then, with confusion in his brown eyes, he turned to me.

"Didn't you feel anything when you saw us? Like disappointment, sadness, or... or jealousy?" he asked timidly.

I stared at him, amused. Was he expecting me to be jealous? He'd been with me since I was young. He could be the brother I didn't have. Of course, I should be skeptical with the woman he's going to choose.

"You know that you're more than a knight who protects me, Tarnus. You're like my best friend. Honestly, I don't like the young lady Frost for you because she lives in the North Land and that means she's going to take you away from the East Land - she's going to take you away from me. But I am not that selfish, Tarnus. If it's her who's going to make you happy, then I would not hinder it. Just promise me that you'll still visit the old me in the North Castle," I answered, teasing him a little.

He frowned at me clearly unimpressed. "You still don't understand, do you?" he said.

This time, it was my turn to get confused. "Well, I saw you getting out of the room with Lady Tanya with her breasts almost peeking out of her dress. And when I asked you if you had a great night, you said you had. It was pretty obvious. What in that scenario did I not understand?" I asked, a little bit annoyed. He was my knight. He supposed to protect and watch over me instead of spending the whole night with a woman on his bed while on duty. And since, he was also my friend, I became understanding and tried letting him off gently. Why I became the fool who doesn't understand the situation was beyond me.

"That the thing you saw meant nothing to me. I tried to resist her but she pretended that she hurt her ankle and asked me to carry her to the room. She offered me wine and it's already too late when I realized that she's already playing her seduction game and -"

"Oh, please! I don't want to hear any more details!" I protested.

"Last night, it was your face I was seeing instead of hers," he immediately confessed.

And this completely caught me off-guard. I looked at him in utter shock with my mouth gaped open. I didn't know what to say. I couldn't imagine him screwing a woman's body with my face in his mind. No, it was too much to handle right now. Boris' proposition was surprising but Tarnus confession completely gobsmacked me. I was lost for words.

Before any of us could answer, the carriage stopped and almost jolted me off the couch. We were near the mountain that served as the boundary for the four lands. The ruined castle in it stood like it had been watching us for a long time now. I looked at the thing that saved me from a great awkwardness with Tarnus. But when I saw a woman crossing the road with children in tow, my anger started boiling up inside me. I opened the door of the carriage and got out of it hastily. The woman's eyes widened when she saw me and tried to hurry away. But I immediately got her and with the strength I could muster, I pulled at her arm and turned her to face me.

"We meet again, Cecilia," I said in a low, dangerous tone. And just like that, the men who almost threw themselves at my feet that day were completely gone in my mind. They were completely replaced by the memories of that rogue, dangerous pirate who stole my heart.